​

• ​LD 1975: An Act to Eliminate the ConnectMaine Authority by Repealing the Advanced Technology Infrastructure Act

  • What the bill says:​

    • "This bill repeals the Advanced Technology Infrastructure Act, which is codified as the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 35-A, chapter 93. Repeal of this chapter eliminates the state broadband policy, the ConnectMaine Authority, the ConnectMaine Fund and the Municipal Gigabit Broadband Network Access Fund."

  • Our position:

    • Ought Not To Pass: "Our opposition to LD 1975 is based on two assertions, 1.) that the ConnectMaine Authority (CME), the ConnectMaine Fund and the Municipal Gigabit Fund are neither duplicative nor unnecessary, and 2.) It is our belief that, particularly in reference to the funds, these are critical tools for the state to continue its work closing the digital divide for all Mainers."

  • Testimony:

    • Joe Oliva, Maine Broadband Coalition

​

• LD 536: An Act to Establish Net Neutrality

  • What the bill says:​

    • This bill establish Net Neutral protections and classifies violations under the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act.

  • Our position:

    • Ought To Pass: "Our support for LD 536 is rooted in the conviction that net neutrality is a basic consumer protection that would benefit everyday internet users in Maine across usage types – for residences, businesses, and municipalities."

  • Testimony:

    • Joe Oliva, Maine Broadband Coalition

​

• LD 657: An Act To Modify The Law Governing Municipal General Assistance By Designating Broadband Internet Access Service And Wireless Access Point Technology As Basic Necessities

  • What the bill says:​

    • ​"This bill modifies the provisions of law governing municipal general assistance to designate broadband Internet access service and wireless access point technology as basic necessities."

  • Our position:

    • Ought To Pass: "Our support for LD 657 is based on the feedback that we hear on a daily basis from everyday Mainers – that the internet is an essential tool for accessing healthcare, education, and career opportunities"

  • Testimony

    • Joe Oliva, Maine Broadband Coalition​

​

• LD 1822: An Act To Enact The Maine Online Data Privacy Act

  • What the bill says:​

    • This bill strengthens Maine's nation-leading online data privacy protections.​

  • Our position:

    • Ought To Pass: "We submit this testimony today in support of LD 1822, which strengthens Maine’s leading data privacy laws and in opposition to LD 1088 and LD 1224, which would repeal and replace good, effective data privacy regulations with an industry-preferred framework that falls short of what Maine internet users deserve."

  • Testimony

    • Joe Oliva, Maine Broadband Coalition​​​

​

• LD 1096: An Act To Allow Municipalities That Have Financed Fiber-Optic Broadband Infrastructure To Use Loans Or Grants To Repay Associated Debt

  • What the bill says:​

    • This bill authorizes the Municipal Gigabit Broadband Network Access Fund to provide 27 funding to municipal entities applying for project grants to repay debt that was incurred by 28 a municipal entity for the construction of a municipally owned gigabit fiber-optic 29 broadband network project.​

  • Our position:

    • Ought To Pass: "The Municipal Gigabit Fund was established as a mechanism to help municipalities build networks. Broadening its capability to support communities burdened by debts incurred from construction and maintenance of these networks is an affirmation of earlier efforts to close the digital divide in places that were left behind by the market-based approach to providing service."

  • Testimony

    • Joe Oliva, Maine Broadband Coalition​